The Government of Canada is providing total funding of $46,104 to two organizations in Kamloops, British Columbia. The Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc First Nation is receiving $30,000 through the Museums Assistance Program to support the creation of interpretive and educational programs to be used at the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park. The project will consist of research into Secwepemc cultural heritage, development of programming targeting specific visitor groups, and planning a promotional strategy for the new programs. This is the first time the Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc First Nation has received support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society is receiving support of $16,104 through the Aboriginal Women's Programming Elements to offer a series of workshops on traditional medicines, cultural practices and rites of passage. The workshops will engage 160 Aboriginal women in seven communities across the Secwepemc territory.

Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

The Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc, formerly known as the Kamloops Indian Band, is a First Nations government within the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, which represents 10 of the 17 Secwepemc band governments in British Columbia.

In 2005, the Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc took over responsibility for the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, which promotes the traditions of the Secwepemc Nation.

Established in 1982, the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving the language, culture and history of the 17 bands within the Secwepemc Nation.

"Kamloops" is the English transliteration of the Shuswap word Tk'emlúps, meaning "where the rivers meet."

Kamloops has been the home of the Tk'emlupsemc ("people of the confluence") for centuries.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to taking concrete action that fosters the development of arts and culture in Canada. Providing support for the preservation and teaching of First Nations culture will help safeguard an important part of our country's heritage."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"These important projects will help residents and visitors to the Secwepemc territory to better understand and appreciate the great richness and diversity of Aboriginal heritage. I am pleased this funding will enable the Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc to develop cultural programming that tells the story of the Secwepemc people and allow the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society to continue offering important services to Aboriginal women in the region."

-Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification, and Member of Parliament (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo)

"The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park represents a very significant part of the Secwepemc Nation's past. The Museum receives visitors from around the world and the support received through the Museums Assistance Program will enable the museum to provide more awareness and education to visitors and will allow expansion to the educational programs. Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc has always envisioned a future where we build awareness through education; creating friendships, partnerships but most of all, knowledge."

-Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc First Nation

"This project will allow the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society to plan and facilitate teachings for Secwepemc women that will be based on the importance of the role of women in the various stages of their life, from babyhood through to old age. Thanks to support from Canadian Heritage, this project will promote, encourage and support the role of woman as life givers and caregivers in both traditional and modern society. This project is viewed as an important element in building self-esteem and respect for women."